Philly Cheese Steaks weren’t the most exciting part of new interior designer Amy’s recent trip to NeoCon East in Philadelphia!

NeoCon East celebrated its 15th year exhibition in the city of Brotherly Love last year. The show contained over 200 leading companies in the commercial and healthcare industries. The two-day show offered insight into coming trends, revolutionary products, and the direction commercial interiors are heading towards.

Being a company that specializes in commercial and healthcare interiors, it was exciting to learn and be able to view new resident case good systems, decorative plant systems that encourage better air quality, new paints that allow for acoustical control and beautiful room signage.

In addition to meeting with vendors, our designer Amy attended classes that had to do with the importance of codes, new trends in healthcare, and residential healthcare facility design.

Our designer was even caught trying out this office desk system, always so many emails to answer even while traveling!

Check out our current portfolio and look for some of the products we found on our visit in new fun and creative designs!

It’s that time of year ... family get-togethers, terrific meals, and entertaining to celebrate the holidays. Get ready to have more guests than usual in your facilities. Make sure careful thought and planning go into making your senior residents and their families feel safe and comfortable! Here are some key elements to remember when choosing furniture and holiday set ups:

​​Around the holidays we can be tempted to choose decorations or new fabrics with small and colorful patterns. But be careful and don’t go too busy; it can be distracting for seniors. Try to choose patterns with a smaller or more natural color palette to allow for your residents to feel comfortable.

​Seating throughout your facility should be firmer than average to make it easier for a person with mobility issues to get up.

​Smooth and rounded edges prevent skin tears and bruising.

​Vinyl and stain treated fabrics help with occasional accidents and stains. The cleaner your furniture looks, the happier your families and visitors will be!

​Always plan for larger pathways between furniture to allow for walkers and wheelchairs to easily maneuver about. Allow enough places for your guests to sit as well as your residents. Strategically place larger pieces of furniture so they can be used for balance while moving throughout the room.

Switch out round knobs for pulls and levers which can greatly help with access.

​Taping down or tucking away cords eliminates the potential trip hazards. With the need for decorations during the holidays make sure all cords are taken care of, or chose decorations that are battery operated.

​While style is important, well-designed, purposeful furniture is key. Having furniture that is too low, deep, or soft can make it difficult for your loved ones.

Aging can become a very lonely process as things that used to be easy suddenly become a real struggle. Without proper support from the built environment, this already challenging time can seem hopeless.

With an ever increasing aging population, health and wellness in the design process is becoming increasingly important. The interior environment can have a significant impact on human health; it is essential to provide end-users with a space that provides a sense of well-being.

Here are some things to consider when choosing proper designs and finishes:​1. COMMUNITY:Interiors should promote central areas, breaking away from the old standard of long corridors that create resident separation.

2. MULTI-GENERATIONAL:The population in many facilities can vary greatly. Often times you will see several generations of residents and staff under one roof. Areas must be designed with the right amenities and styles that are not too specific in order to keep harmony among the generations.​3. DEMOGRAPHICS:Consider the needs of the different populations within your facility.

​4. SIMPLICITY:Achieve simplicity in your design which will help everyone feel safe and comfortable.

5. COLORS:Colors can be used to improve memory, independence and comfort. The use of color can help compensate for the physical and cognitive losses that often occur as we age.

​Do you need help implementing these ideas? The staff at DCS is trained in creating interiors that promote healing and happiness.

Many seniors fear a loss of freedom when it’s time to enter an assisted living or specialized nursing center. However, there are many things that can be done to help aid a sense of freedom and safety for residents and caregivers so each can reach their individual goals. Even minor adjustments can have a major impact.

1. Brighten Up Your Space!Make sure there is adequate lighting in all habitable spaces so that seniors feel safe to walk around by themselves. Adding night lights to rooms will also greatly help with this sense of security.

2. Eliminate Clutter!Keep floors clear of any unnecessary items that will get in the way. This means clothes, books, papers, and trash should all be picked up as soon as they are seen. Careful to also notice loose wires and extension cords, which can be a major tripping hazard and make residents afraid to walk around on their own.

3. Don’t Slip!Install grab bars at all potential slipping points, such as showers, tubs, and toilets. It’s also a good idea to place anti-slip mats under any loose area rugs, especially bath mats.

4. Accessibility is Key!Everyday items need to be fully accessible to seniors. This means placing refrigerators, cabinets, drawers, doors and shelving in easy to reach locations. It also means eliminating awkward closets and hard to maneuver spaces so everyone can enjoy being free and active without needing to ask for assistance.

5. Avoid Accidents by Staying Active!It’s so important for seniors to stay active, but many fear injury. Make sure you have programs in place where seniors can come and exercise together in a safe environment. Easy exercises include yoga and stretching, mild strength training with or without weights, and walking.

If you need help getting your facility in shape and making your seniors feel more comfortable and independent, let us help you today!

When it comes to interior design, there are many things people wish for in their homes. But what about what people wish for when they need a bit more care and need to leave their beloved homes?

After attending NeoCon East this November and learning about the changing demographic of long term care residents, we are here to give to some suggestions for your next renovation, and how to appeal to the largest, most affluent generation in history:

The Baby Boomers.​

1. Baby Boomers Don’t Want to be “Cared For”.They want to be active participants in their environments. They don’t want to be called residents, but “members” of their new communities.​

​2. Baby Boomers Want an Upscale Setting.They want high end finishes, and most are willing to pay the extra premium for them. Consider real materials such as wood, granite, and tile as opposed to their cheaper vinyl or faux alternatives.​

3. Baby Boomers Want Choices.Gone are the days of a single main dining room and recreation area. People want choices. Consider adding a few smaller, more intimate dining areas with themes – maybe a café where coffee and pastries are served all days, or even a bar where alcohol is available. Offer choices for public space areas as well. Instead of making a large space serve many purposes at the same time, create a few dedicated spaces within it to make the whole facility feel more home-like.​

Additional Amenities to Consider:

Concierge Service

Art and Music Studios

Internet Café

Access to Private Town Cars Instead of Only Buses Library​

The long-term care world is changing. Let DCS help you be ready!​We wish you the very best this holiday season!

​DCS is excited to announce the recent completion of renovations to the Penthouse Subacute Unit at Brentwood Manor in Norwood, NJ. Under the ownership of Windsor Healthcare, a family-owned company, this facility provides clinically sophisticated sub-acute care and rehabilitation, as well as comprehensive nursing care.

​Working in collaboration with Windsor Healthcare, Spiezle Architects, and Sweetwater Construction, the renovation encompasses a brand new 22 bed unit. A complete overhaul of the existing floor plan allowed for 10 private rooms and 6 semi-privates. The resident rooms are bright, spacious, and energizing. There is a full working kitchen in the unit, as well as a central living and dining area filled with sunlight and inviting furniture. Satellite nursing stations keep staff involved and engaged while eliminating the cold and institutional feeling of typical centralized stations. With large screen televisions throughout, bright colors, a beautiful stone fireplace, and curved ceiling details in the corridor, this facility now looks and feels like no other!

​Our many thanks to the Windsor Healthcare Group, Spiezle Architects, and Sweetwater Construction, as well the entire staff of Brentwood Manor for their assistance. Additionally, we would like to credit Steven F. Leone for the wonderful photographs he provided of the facility.

For a photo gallery of this project as well as others completed by DCS, please visit our website at:

​With Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, it’s easy to get your daily dose of trending news and topics, But what about the trends that are currently sweeping the interior design world? Take a look below to see all of today’s latest long-term care design trends, and how you can incorporate them into your spaces! #TrendAlert!

CREATING WARMTH

The goal of this trend is to create interiors that make residents feel like they are at home and in a familiar environment. To accomplish this, it is important to choose furniture that is more residential feeling, including matching wardrobes and bedside cabinets. It is also essential to include sources of natural light and soothing color palettes. These steps will help reduce the anxiety associated with being in a new environment.

​PERSONALIZATION

By finding out a new resident’s favorite magazine, color, or flower, a facility can incorporate them into their new room so that when they arrive, a potentially overwhelming experience can be turned into a positive one. Also, using room signage that incorporates personalized photos, familiar local places, or family and friends can help individuals feel less anxious and at ease.

​OUTSOURCING

A possibly overlooked trend is outsourcing interior design and purchasing services. Research has shown that outsourcing these services can increase cost savings to the facility while taking advantage of the expertise, flexibility, and industry knowledge these professionals have. Next time you want to update your facility, consider outsourcing. The results will speak and pay for themselves.

​MULTI-FUNCTION

To help make a long term care facility seem less institutional, it is important to keep it feeling uncluttered and open. This can be accomplished by using furniture that is flexible and serves multiple purposes, such as a chair that converts into a guest bed.

INFECTION CONTROL

Taking infection control measures reduces the stress and workload on residents, guests, staff, and the facility as a whole. Besides frequent hand washing and access to water less antibacterial sanitizers, many fabrics and finishes now come with antimicrobial properties built in. Selecting products with clean lines and rounded corners also prevents dirt and dust build up and helps prevent the spread of germs to create a safer environment for all occupants.

Here at DCS, we know how to incorporate all these new trends into your renovation, as well as elements that have stood the test of time.

It’s time to spruce upyour interiors and awaken them from the cold winter slump.

Many things go into a deep freeze during the winter months, leaving you and your business feeling down in the dumps. Want to bring things back to life? Need a jump start to freshen things up?Here are some tips from the DCS design team to help get you and your business feeling alive again:

REFRESHTired of those boring walls? Embrace the spirit of spring with sunny, bright and happy colors like natural greens and fresh yellows. DCS can help you choose!

REPLACEOld, worn out furnishings and fixtures aren’t helping. Something as simple as replacing chairs, cubicle curtains or window treatments can add new life to your space.

RENEWBring bits of nature into your space with scenic artwork or accessories that incorporate flowers, branches or fruits. Even the smallest touch of the outdoors reminds us that the season is changing and new life is here! A bright bouquet or a bowl of fresh oranges can lift spirits!

REVIVEAdd plants to add personality and health benefits to your space. They reduce greenhouse gasses, decrease energy consumption, filter out harmful toxins in the air and help to reduce stress. Whether it’s using fresh new colors or adding potted plants, spring is the perfect excuse to freshen up your space!

Do you love your Space? DCS is here to help you understand the profound influence interior design has on the way your space FEELS! A working environment is as important as the idea itself!

When you spend time shaping and molding your brand, it's important to remember that your working space needs the same vibe in order for everyone to truly be immersed in the experience. You may be spending a lot of time, energy or money (probably all three) trying to make this happen. There is no need to overdesign.

When you walk into a space it should feel relaxing and inviting while retaining that “wow” factor edge.

We have a few tips to help you:

1. Investing In Qualityalways look for well-made pieces that will be long lasting and timeless.

2.Know Your LimitationsDCS is experienced at space planning and maximizing each and every inch you have. We can help you take advantage of small spaces while making larger areas feel more comfortable.

3. Create A Story With LoveFill your space with things that you love. Don't conform to trends – go for pieces that speak to you. We can help you find that inner voice to choose items and colors that will be aesthetically pleasing to you and others.

We’re back from the city of Brotherly Love after attending Neocon East in Philadelphia !

Neocon East is a two-day show that continues to be the best place on the East Coast for Architects and Designers to see and learn about the latest products and services applicable to contract interiors. More than 250 companies showcased hot new products, visionary designs, and cutting edge resources for commercial interiors.

​In addition to seeing what’s new from our vendors, we took courses highlighting the importance of using details in design, color perception and using it effectively, and learning more information on building codes and changes for 2015 and beyond.

​Rachel tried her hand at a huge Jenga tower . . . . we took pictures to share ... saw an abstract, wood “tree,” colorful mushroom ergonomic stools, exciting flooring trends, and shared in the positive energy of the show.

Check out our pictures and look for future portfolio projects where we get to use all these fun, new, innovative products in our designs!